Advisory

Financial Licensing

Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs) offer a highly attractive structure for providing investm ent services across the EU. Governed by the Cyprus Investment Firms Law 87(I)/2017, CIFs are regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), ensuring strict compliance with legal and financial standards.

CIFs can offer a range of investment services, including portfolio management, execution of orders, investment advice, underwriting, and the operation of trading facilities. Additionally, ancillary services such as financial analysis, foreign exchange services, and safekeeping of financial instruments can be provided, provided they are linked to investment services.

Minimum Share Capital Requirements
The required capital depends on the nature of services provided:

  • €750,000 for firms dealing on own account or underwriting.
  • €75,000 for firms providing advisory or execution services without holding client funds.
  • €150,000 for firms not covered in the above categories.

CIFs must obtain authorization from CySEC, requiring a detailed application that includes a business plan, internal operations manual, compliance policies, and proof of financial adequacy. The licensing process typically takes up to six months, with CySEC requiring CIFs to demonstrate strong governance, risk management, and investor protection mechanisms.

At Oneworld, we facilitate the entire CIF licensing process, from regulatory structuring and documentpreparation to liaising with CySEC and setting up corporate bank accounts, ensuring a smooth and compliant approval process.

Credits:
Lukas Rodriguez - Photographer